High Point Market 2024
High Point Market is every interior designer's dream (and every foot’s nightmare)... from the thousands of square feet of different showrooms to being surrounded by a community of like-minded designers was an experience I will never forget. I was invited to go to this year's market by the studio I interned to help out and gain some wonderful experience. I got to see firsthand what it is like to go into each showroom and be shown their new lines for the year. I was also able to meet some incredible people such as Laura Leiss, at her book signing for her new book “Beach Life”, which I highly recommend! I got to make useful connections that will help to guide me and offer me valuable information as I embark on this journey to becoming an interior designer.
I would say that my favorite part of High Point market was getting to see the furniture and lighting pieces that I admire, in person. Arteriors, Hubbardton Forge, and Palecek were my absolute favorite showrooms. The amazing dedication that the designers/artists of these companies put into the displays showed me what being a designer in the real world is like. This experience allowed me to enhance my creativity since I got to see so many unique and special pieces in different spaces. I could not stop myself from placing all of these pieces into imaginary spaces into my mind! I was able to see ways in which real world designers set up spaces and use such unique pieces and textiles to create a beautiful design.
I can not forget to mention the amazing reps that I got to meet. They took the time to explain the inner workings of the company they were representing to me, which means so much since the reason I went to High Point was to learn more about the industry in new aspects. The most interesting showroom by far was Hubbardton Forge. Hubbardton Forge sets itself apart from all other lighting companies in the way that every piece they have to offer is completely customizable. You would not immediately think of how big of a difference this makes, but when you are designing spaces for clients, having something completely authentic to their style makes all the difference. It also allows the client to take part in the project that they will be embracing in their own lives. Learning more about how this company designs and functions was fascinating to me and I am so thankful for the amazing reps who helped me understand all of this vital information. While I was in the showroom of Summer Classics, a furniture company focused on a modern coastal look, I picked up a biography of their founder (which I am still working on reading). I now value the importance of researching the backgrounds of every company I may use in the future for projects. There are so many amazing companies out there such as Hubbardton Forge and Summer Classics and taking the time to research and connect with companies you use, builds a deeper and more authentic relationship that everyone involved in a project will benefit from.
High Point market 2024 was an experience I will cherish forever and I can not wait to go back! If you get the chance to go, make sure you bring comfortable shoes because you’re feet will hurt, but also make sure you take everything in as much as you can. There is so much to see, learn, and enjoy that it can be overwhelming but once you take a step back, and focus on what you are there for, it is so amazing!
